Home / Arts and Entertainment / Portlandia Set: No Sitting Allowed!
Portlandia Set: No Sitting Allowed!
31 Jul
Summary
- Directors' chairs were forbidden to maintain a nimble production environment.
- A small, fuzzy monitor was used, making footage appear better on screen.
- Local talent and Portland residents were integral to the show's authenticity.
The cast and crew of the sketch comedy series Portlandia operated under a unique set culture that emphasized constant movement and nimbleness. Producer David Allen Cress famously disallowed director's chairs, believing the team "don't have time to sit" and needed to "just keep moving." This approach, along with the absence of a traditional video village, contributed to the show's agile production.
Director Jonathan Krisel recalled using a small, fuzzy monitor that sometimes displayed soap operas. This limited viewing experience, however, had an unexpected benefit. Footage that appeared adequate on the tiny screen looked "incredible" in the editing room, highlighting the success of this unconventional method.
Portlandia's authenticity was further bolstered by its reliance on local Portland residents and talent. Instead of casting actors from Los Angeles, the show discovered hidden gems within the community. This strategy, facilitated by local talent agent Simon Max Hill, ensured a unique and site-specific feel, populated by faces new to viewers.
